Valve assembly

ABSTRACT

A fluid control valve includes a body, a stem, a moveable disc, a stationary disc, and a valve seal. The stem is rotatably coupled to the body, and is configured to freely rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relative to the body. The moveable disc is coupled to the stem, and is configured to rotate with the stem. The stationary disc is coupled to the body below the moveable disc. The valve seal is coupled to the body below the stationary disc, and is reversible such that the valve seal is configured to be coupled to the body in at least two different orientations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/287,220, filed Jan. 26, 2016, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to faucet assemblies. Inparticular, this application relates to fluid control valves for use infaucet assemblies.

Generally speaking, widespread and centerset faucet assemblies typicallyinclude two separate and distinct fluid control valves associated with ahot water source and a cold water source, respectively. The fluidcontrol valves can be a fluid mixing valve to control the amount ofwater delivered to a user from the two different water sources. A handleassembly coupled to the valve may be articulated by a user to allow theuser to control the temperature and flow rate of a flow of water exitingthe faucet assembly. The separate valves can be joined together by aconnecting member sometimes referred to as a waterway connector, whichcan facilitate mixing of hot and cold water from the different watersources. A spout or fluid conduit can extend from the waterway todeliver mixed water to the user.

SUMMARY

It would be advantageous to have a single, common fluid control valvethat can be used for either the hot water source or the cold watersource, so as to reduce the complexity of the faucet assembly and reducemanufacturing costs. These and other advantageous features will becomeapparent to those reviewing the present disclosure and claims.

One embodiment relates to a fluid control valve for a faucet. The fluidcontrol valve includes a body, a stem, a moveable disc, a stationarydisc, and a valve seal. The stem is rotatably coupled to the body, andis configured to freely rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relativeto the body. The moveable disc is coupled to the stem, and is configuredto rotate with the stem. The stationary disc is coupled to the bodybelow the moveable disc. The valve seal is coupled to the body below thestationary disc, and is reversible such that the valve seal isconfigured to be coupled to the body in at least two differentorientations.

Another embodiment relates to a faucet assembly including a body, astem, a moveable disc, a first stationary disc, and a second stationarydisc. The stem is rotatably coupled to the body, and is configured tofreely rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relative to the body. Themoveable disc is coupled to the stem, and is configured to rotate withthe stem. The first stationary disc is coupled to the body below themoveable disc. The second stationary disc is coupled to the body belowthe first stationary disc. The first and second stationary discs arefixed relative to the body. The fluid control valve is configured to bebiased in an axial direction within a valve body by an incoming supplyof fluid through the first stationary disc and the second stationarydisc.

Another embodiment relates to a faucet assembly including a body, astem, a moveable disc, a stationary disc, and a valve seal. The stem isrotatably coupled to the body, and is configured to freely rotate threehundred and sixty degrees relative to the body. The moveable disc iscoupled to the stem, and is configured to rotate with the stem. Thestationary disc is coupled to the body below the moveable disc. Thevalve seal is coupled to the body below the stationary disc, and isreversible such that the valve seal is configured to be coupled to thebody in at least two different orientations. The stem includes aprotrusion, and the moveable disc includes a receiving channelconfigured to receive the protrusion such that rotation of the stemresults in corresponding rotation of the moveable disc.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve for a faucet assembly, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the valve shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the valve shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of another valve for a faucetassembly, according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a faucet subassembly including,among other elements, two of the valves shown in FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 5 installedwithin a faucet assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 5installed within a faucet assembly, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a disc for use within the valve shown in FIG. 5,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a faucet subassembly for onehandle including, among other elements, the valve shown in FIG. 5,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of a faucet subassembly,including, among other elements, two of the valves shown in FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of a faucet assembly, including,among other elements, the valve shown in FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of a faucet assembly, including,among other elements, two of the valves shown in FIG. 5, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the faucet assembly shown in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a fluid control valve (e.g., valve, valvecartridge, fluid mixing valve, etc.), shown as centerset valve 100, forcontrolling a supply of water within a faucet assembly is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. According to the exemplaryembodiment shown, centerset valve 100 includes a body (e.g., valve body,etc.), shown as body 110, a stem (e.g., valve stem, etc.), shown as stem120, a seal, shown as seal 130, a disc (e.g., metering disc, etc.),shown as moveable disc 140, another disc (e.g., metering disc, etc.),shown as stationary disc 150, and a seal, shown as reversible valve seal160. Reversible valve seal 160 may be reversible such that it may beinstalled in either an up or a down orientation (i.e., at least twodifferent orientations) relative to an annular surface of reversiblevalve seal 160. Reversible valve seal 160 may therefore increase speedand ease of assembly of centerset valve 100. Additionally, reversiblevalve seal 160 may facilitate servicing operations such that centersetvalve 100 may be serviced in a more simplified manner than a typicalvalve. In some embodiments, centerset valve 100 is a quarter-turn valve(i.e., a rotation of ninety-degrees fully articulates centerset valve100 from an open position to a closed position). Stem 120 may include aprotrusion, shown as tab 300, configured to interact with a receivingfeature, shown as channel 310, contained within moveable disc 140, suchthat rotation of stem 120 results in corresponding rotation of moveabledisc 140. In other words, stem 120 is rotatably coupled to moveable disc140. Stationary disc 150 may include one or more features, shown as tabs320, configured to interact with slots in body 110 such that rotation ofstem 120 does not result in rotation of stationary disc 150. Stationarydisc 150 may include one or more holes, shown as apertures 330.Stationary disc 150 may be disposed below moveable disc 140.

The angular spacing of the holes included on stationary disc 150determines the amount of rotation necessary to achieve a full supply ofwater through centerset valve 100. In one embodiment where centersetvalve 100 is a quarter-turn valve, apertures 330 on stationary disc 150are angularly spaced one-hundred and eighty degrees apart (i.e.,diametrically opposed). In application, the rotation of stem 120, andthereby moveable disc 140, results in a supply of water throughapertures 330 on stationary disc 150, through gaps between moveable disc140 and an inner portion of body 110, and out of the apertures, shown asapertures 170, of body 110. The gaps in moveable disc 140 and apertures330 on stationary disc 150 are configured to meter the supply of waterwithin centerset valve 100. According to an exemplary embodiment,centerset valve 100 is used to control (e.g., meter, etc.) either a hotwater source or a cold water source. In this manner, centerset valve 100can simplify the assembly process of a faucet assembly and can reducemanufacturing costs by eliminating the need for distinct valves for ahot and a cold water supply. In some embodiments, centerset valve 100 isa side discharge valve.

According to various exemplary embodiments, centerset valve 100 does notinclude integrated stop features to control the travel of stem 120within centerset valve 100. Instead, centerset valve 100 may utilizestop features included within other components of a faucet assembly,such as the yoke, body, handle adaptor, handle, or other suitablecomponent of the faucet assembly such that centerset valve 100 may betailored for a target application. In this manner, when centerset valve100 is uninstalled from the faucet assembly, stem 120 may rotate freelythree-hundred and sixty degrees relative to the body. However, wheninstalled in the faucet assembly, stem 120 may rotate between the endstops integrated within the faucet assembly, which can be angularlyspaced a specific angular distance to provide a desired angular travel.In one embodiment, the end stops are molded into the yoke of the faucetassembly.

Body 110, seal 130, moveable disc 140, stationary disc 150, andreversible valve seal 160 may be constructed of various materials orcombinations of materials, such as brass, aluminum, polymeric material,thermoset, polymeric based blend, polymer, nylon, rubber, syntheticrubber, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, ceramic, ceramicblend, ceramic-metallic blend, alumina, metallic blend, zinc, alloy,brass, aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material such thatcenterset valve 100 may be tailored for a target application. Further,body 110, stem 120, seal 130, moveable disc 140, stationary disc 150,and reversible valve seal 160 may have various surface finishes,porosities, grain sizes, intergranular phase and chemical properties,purities, wear resistance, shock resistance, flatness, surfaceroughness, bear ratios, have rounded or corned edges, or any othersuitable properties such that centerset valve 100 may be tailored for atarget application.

In an exemplary embodiment, stem 120 is constructed of a plasticmaterial such as a polymeric material, thermoset, polymeric based blend,polymer, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride,polytetrafluoroethylene, or any other suitable plastic material suchthat centerset valve 100 may be tailored for a target application.However, in alternative embodiments, stem 120 is constructed of brass,metallic blend, zinc alloy, aluminum, steel, or any other suitablematerial such that centerset valve 100 may be tailored for a targetapplication.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective exploded view of centerset valve 100according to an exemplary embodiment. According to the exemplaryembodiment shown, body 110 includes a channel, shown as channel 340,which is configured to receive seal 130 therein along an outer portionof the body. Channel 340 may prevent displacement of seal 130 wheninstalling centerset valve 100 within the faucet assembly. According toan exemplary embodiment, centerset valve 100 includes a seal, shown asseal 350, and stem 120 may include a channel, shown as channel 360,configured to receive seal 350 therein. As shown in FIG. 4, seal 350 mayprovide a seal between stem 120 and an inner portion of body 110. FIG. 4illustrates an example where centerset valve 100 has been configured toprohibit the flow of a supply of water through centerset valve 100. Inoperation, moveable disc 140 is operable between an open position and aclosed position. In the open position, a fluid pathway exists fromreversible valve seal 160 through stationary disc 150, moveable disc140, and out through apertures 170. In the closed position, the fluidpathway is blocked by moveable disc 140 at the openings in stationarydisc 150 and at apertures 170. Centerset valve 100 may have a fluidinlet through reversible valve seal 160, stationary disc 150, andmoveable disc 140, and a fluid outlet through moveable disc 140 andaperture 170 of body 110. According to various embodiments, body 110includes a channel or opening, shown as slot 370, configured to receivetabs 320 therein. Slot 370 may retain tabs 320 therein, thereby limitingor preventing movement of stationary disc 150 relative to body 110. Insome embodiments, body 110 includes the same number of slots 370 as tabs320. According to various embodiments, the angular positions of slots370 corresponds to the angular positions of tabs 320. In one embodiment,centerset valve 100 includes body 110 having at least two slots 370separated by an angular distance of one-hundred and eighty degrees and astationary disc 150 having at least two tabs 320 separated by an angulardistance of one-hundred and eighty degrees.

According to an exemplary embodiment, seal 130 and/or seal 350 is anO-ring (e.g., packing, toric joint, gasket, spacer, loop, seal, etc.),which may be constructed out of any suitable material including, forexample, nitrile, Buna-N nitrile, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR),perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene(Viton®), fluoroelastomer (FKM), fluorocarbon, silicone,tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), Neoprene®, fluorinated ethylene propylene(FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (Teflon®), perfluoroalkoxy alkane(PFA), or other suitable materials such that seal 130 and/or seal 350may be tailored for a target application.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fluid control valve (e.g., valve, valve cartridge,fluid mixing valve, etc.), shown as widespread valve 500, for use forcontrolling a supply of water within a faucet assembly according toanother exemplary embodiment. According to the embodiment shown,widespread valve 500 is structurally and/or functionally different fromcenterset valve 100. However, both centerset valve 100 and widespreadvalve 500 are designed such that either valve may be used as either ahot water supply or a cold water supply valve. In this manner, centersetvalve 100 and widespread valve 500 minimize the complexity of the faucetassembly and reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating the need forseparate and distinct valves for hot and cold water supplies.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, widespread valve 500 includes a body(e.g., valve body, etc.), shown as body 510, a stem (e.g., valve stem,etc.), shown as stem 520, a disc (e.g., metering disc, etc.), shown asmoveable disc 530, another disc (e.g., metering disc, etc.), shown asfirst stationary disc 540, and yet another disc (e.g., metering disc,etc.), shown as second stationary disc 550. Body 510 may include achannel, shown as channel 560, configured to receive seal 130, and oneor more slots, shown as slots 570. Stem 520 may include one or moreprotrusions, shown as tabs 580. Moveable disc 530 may include a channel,shown as channel 582, configured to interact with tabs 580, such thatrotation of stem 520 is transferred to moveable disc 530 from tabs 580through channel 582. According to various embodiments, moveable disc 530is structurally and/or functionally different from moveable disc 140.First stationary disc 540 may include one or more protrusions, shown astabs 584, configured to interact with slot 570, such that rotation ofstem 520 does not translate to rotation of first stationary disc 540.Second stationary disc 550 may include one or more protrusions, shown astabs 586, configured to interact with slot 570 such that rotation ofstem 520 does not translate to rotation of second stationary disc 550.Tabs 584 and 586 may be substantially aligned when first stationary disc540 and second stationary disc 550 are installed within body 510 andslot 570. First stationary disc 540 may include one or more holes, shownas apertures 588. Second stationary disc 550 may include one or moreholes, shown as apertures 590. Apertures 588 and apertures 590 may besubstantially aligned when first stationary disc 540 and secondstationary disc 550 are installed within body 510 and slot 570.

According to an exemplary embodiment, widespread valve 500 is a bottomdischarge valve. Widespread valve 500 may have a fluid inlet throughsecond stationary disc 550, first stationary disc 540, and moveable disc530, and may have a fluid outlet through second stationary disc 550,first stationary disc 540, and moveable disc 530. In other words, asupply of water may be received and transmitted in opposing directionsone-hundred and eighty degrees apart. In some applications, a bottomdischarge valve, such as widespread valve 500, is advantageous becauseit provides a fluid connection for some widespread faucet plumbingconstructions. In some embodiments, widespread valve 500 is a dry stemvalve.

In operation, rotation of stem 520 may result in rotation of moveabledisc 530. In other words, stem 520 is rotatably coupled to moveable disc530. Moveable disc 530 is operable between an open position, where asupply of water is facilitated through widespread valve 500, and aclosed position, where the supply of water is prohibited throughwidespread valve 500.

As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of centerset valves 100 are installed inrespective yokes (e.g., valve bodies, etc.), shown as centerset yokes600. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, centerset yokes 600are fluidly and structurally connected by a connector, shown as waterwayconnector 610. In these embodiments, centerset valves 100 are sidedischarge valves. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the centerset yokes 600include a plurality of slots, shown as slots 620. According to variousembodiments, centerset valves 100 are retained in centerset yokes 600through the use of a retainer, shown as retaining element 630, that isconfigured to be inserted through slots 620 in centerset yoke 600 tosecure centerset valves 100 within centerset yokes 600. While slots 620may not be explicitly shown in all FIGURES, it is understood that slots620 may be incorporated within centerset yoke 600 in various faucetassemblies. Slots 620 may have various shapes, sizes, and configurationssuch that the interaction between centerset yoke 600, slots 620,retaining element 630, and centerset valve 100 retains centerset valve100 within centerset yoke 600. In some embodiments, centerset yoke 600includes a circumferential groove disposed coplanar to slots 620, suchthat retaining element 630 may be received in the circumferentialgroove. According to various embodiments, centerset yokes 600 include anopening, shown as longitudinal opening 640, configured to receivecenterset valves 100 therein. The centerset valve 100 can be insertedinto the longitudinal opening 640 without the need to threadably couplethe centerset valve 100 to the centerset yoke 600. In this way, thecenterset valve 100 does not need external threads to couple thecenterset valve 100 to the centerset yoke 600, thereby reducing partcomplexity and cost.

Referring to FIG. 7, widespread valve 500 is mounted within a yoke(e.g., valve body, etc.), shown as widespread yoke 700, and coupled toan adaptor, shown as widespread handle adaptor 710. Widespread handleadaptor 710 may include a plurality of tabs, shown as end stops 720,configured to be received within a corresponding number of channels,shown as end stop receiving channels 730, located within widespread yoke700. The end stops 720 are configured to rotatably couple the widespreadhandle adaptor 710 to the widespread yoke 700. In some embodiments,moveable disc 530 of widespread valve 500 may include a recess, shown asrecess 740. Rotation of moveable disc 530, caused by rotation of stem520, results in rotation of recess 740. In the open position, recess 740provides a fluid pathway through apertures 588 of first stationary disc540, apertures 590 of second stationary disc 550, and recess 740 ofmoveable disc 530. In the closed position, recess 740 does not provide afluid pathway through apertures 588 of first stationary disc 540,apertures 590 of second stationary disc 550, and recess 740 of moveabledisc 530. In the open position, recess 740 may be positioned over aportion of each of apertures 588 of first stationary disc 540 andapertures 590 of second stationary disc 550. In the closed position,recess 740 may not be positioned over a portion of each of apertures 588of first stationary disc 540 and apertures 590 of second stationary disc550.

End stops 720 and end stop receiving channels 730 are configured todefine an angular travel of stem 520. In other words, the end stops 720and the end stop receiving channels 730 cooperatively define the endpoints of rotation for the fluid control valve. The desired angulartravel of stem 520 may be equal to the angular spacing between apertures588 on first stationary disc 540 and/or apertures 590 on secondstationary disc 550. According to an exemplary embodiment, end stops 720are angularly spaced such that one end stop 720 is angularly offsetone-hundred and eighty degrees from another end stop 720 (i.e.,diametrically opposed). Such an angular spacing may allow stem 520 tohave an angular travel of ninety degrees between a proximate pair of endstops 720. End stops 720 of widespread handle adaptor 710 may bedisposed an angular distance apart corresponding to the desired angulartravel of stem 520 and the placement of the end stops. In someembodiments, widespread valve 500 is a plug valve that may besubstantially smaller in size and height than a typical valve due toexclusion of internal valve stops within widespread valve 500, therebyallowing for greater aesthetic design flexibility and ease of assembly.Additionally, packaging for widespread valve 500 may be of a smallersize. Further, in some embodiments, widespread valve 500 requires fewercomponents to assemble compared to typical valve assemblies includinginternal stop mechanisms/features.

According to various exemplary embodiments, widespread valve 500 isretained in widespread yoke 700 through the use of a clip (e.g.,retainer, retaining element, pin, sheet, etc.), shown as retainingelement 750. In various embodiments, widespread valve 500 is biased in aaxial direction (i.e., upwards), relative to the incoming supply ofwater (where the supply of water into widespread valve 500 is defined asflowing up, and the supply of water out of widespread valve 500 isdefined as flowing down), by the forces provided by the interaction ofthe supply of water (i.e., water supply pressure) with widespread valve500. When considering a case where widespread valve 500 is installedwithin widespread yoke 700 and coupled thereto through the use ofretaining element 750, retaining element 750 may provide an opposingforce to the force provided by the interaction of the supply of water(i.e., water supply pressure) and widespread valve 500. According tovarious embodiments, the distance from the top side of retaining element750 and the bottom side of widespread valve 500, relative to theincoming supply of water (where the supply of water into widespreadvalve 500 is defined as flowing up, and the supply of water out ofwidespread valve 500 is defined as flowing down), is sufficient to allowan upward force on widespread valve 500 from the water supply pressurewhen widespread valve 500 and retaining element 750 are installed withinwidespread yoke 700, such that retaining element 750 retains widespreadvalve 500 in a longitudinal direction within widespread yoke 700. Inother words, the retaining element 750 and the water supply pressurecooperate to maintain or limit the longitudinal or axial movement ofwidespread valve 500 relative to the widespread yoke 700. According tovarious embodiments, widespread yoke 700 includes an opening, shown aslongitudinal opening 760, configured to receive widespread valve 500therein.

In some embodiments, retaining element 750 is inserted through slotswithin widespread yoke 700 to retain widespread valve 500 withinwidespread yoke 700. In place of or in addition to retaining element750, widespread valve 500 may be coupled within widespread yoke 700through the use of a cap ultrasonically welded to body 510. In thisexample, both the cap and body 510 must be constructed out of acompatible plastic material capable of being ultrasonically welded. Thecap may be ultrasonically welded within or on top of the opening ofwidespread yoke 700 in confronting relation with widespread valve 500.In addition to or in place of the previously mentioned methods ofretaining widespread valve 500 within widespread yoke 700, body 510 maycontain external threads which may be configured to accept a retainingnut used to secure widespread valve 500 within widespread yoke 700.According to various embodiments, widespread valve 500 is installedwithin widespread yoke 700 such that no threaded connection betweenwidespread valve 500 and widespread yoke 700 exists.

As shown in FIGS. 7-8, widespread yoke 700 may include a first channel,shown as first channel 770, and a second channel, shown as secondchannel 780, for use with a bottom discharge valve. According to anexemplary embodiment, a supply of water is configured to enterwidespread valve 500 from first channel 770 and the supply of water isconfigured to exit widespread valve 500 from second channel 780. It isunderstood that first channel 770 may be configured to receive fluidfrom widespread valve 500, and similarly that second channel 780 may beconfigured to transmit fluid to widespread valve 500, such thatwidespread yoke 700 may be tailored for a target application.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the installation ofwidespread valve 500 within widespread yoke 700 and widespread handleadaptor 710 does not require the use of a wear washer or a stem o-ring,as is required in typical valve assemblies. Exclusion of the wear washerand stem o-ring from widespread valve 500 facilitates a reduction inmanufacturing time and decreases the cost to assemble widespread valve500.

As shown in FIG. 8, widespread valve 500 may be coupled to a bonnet,shown as bonnet 800, and further coupled to handles, shown as handles810. In some embodiments, bonnet 800 is coupled to widespread yoke 700through a threaded interface. In other embodiments, bonnet 800 iscoupled to widespread yoke 700 through a down, snap, and turn mechanism.For example, widespread yoke 700 may have a snap profile configured tomate with locking mechanisms disposed on an inner ring within bonnet800. According to various embodiments, widespread handle adaptor 710 iscoupled to handle 810 through the use of a post, shown as post 820. Inthese embodiments, post 820 is coupled to widespread handle adaptor 710and to handle 810.

Referring now to FIG. 9, moveable disc 530 is shown to include recess740. Recess 740 may be substantially circular shaped except for a sectorof moveable disc 530 which is not included within recess 740. Inapplication, moveable disc 530 may be responsible for metering andcontrol of the temperature and flow rate of various water suppliesthrough widespread valve 500. In operation, rotation of stem 520 maycause rotation of moveable disc 530. Moveable disc 530 is operablebetween an open position, where a supply of water is facilitated throughwidespread valve 500, and a closed position, where the supply of wateris prohibited through widespread valve 500. The open position is definedas the point where at least a portion of recess 740 is positioned overapertures 588 of first stationary disc 540 and apertures 590 of secondstationary disc 550. The closed position is defined as the point whereat least a portion of recess 740 is not positioned over apertures 588 offirst stationary disc 540 and apertures 590 of second stationary disc550. Accordingly, the shape and size of recess 740 is an importantfactor in the flow of the supply of water through widespread valve 500.In some embodiments, the supply of water is intended to be containedwithin recess 740 such that the supply of water does not leak frommoveable disc 530 to body 510 and/or stem 520. While recess 740 is shownin one configuration in FIG. 9, it is understood that variations ofrecess 740 in terms of shape, size, depth, and other similar factorscould be employed such that moveable disc 530 may be tailored for atarget application. In operation, moveable disc 530 may provide a moreconsistent transition from a cold supply of water to a hot supply ofwater through widespread valve 500 than a disc in a conventional valve.As shown in FIG. 10, a plumbing network, shown as plumbing network 1100,is coupled to widespread yoke 700. Plumbing network 1100 may beconfigured to provide a supply of water to widespread valve 500 and anoutlet from widespread valve 500. In these embodiments, widespread valve500 is a bottom discharge valve.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate various partial exploded views of centerset valve100 installed within various components of a faucet assembly. As shownin FIG. 11, waterway connector 610 is provided between individualcenterset yokes 600 such that a side discharge valve, such as centersetvalve 100, may be incorporated in a faucet assembly. In variousembodiments, centerset yoke 600 includes a plurality of slots.

According to an exemplary embodiment, centerset valve 100 is configuredto be mounted within a handle adaptor, shown as centerset handle adaptor1200. Centerset handle adaptor 1200 may include a plurality of tabsconfigured to travel within channels of the faucet assembly. These tabsand channels may be similar to end stops 720 and end stop receivingchannels 730. These tabs and channels may be configured to define anangular travel of stem 120. The desired angular travel of stem 120 maybe equal to the angular spacing between the apertures 330 on stationarydisc 150. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tabs are angularlyspaced such that one tab is angularly offset one-hundred and eightydegrees from another tab (i.e., diametrically opposed). Such an angularspacing may allow stem 120 to have an angular travel of ninety degrees.In some embodiments, centerset valve 100 is a plug valve that may besubstantially smaller in size and height than a typical valve due toexclusion of internal valve stops within centerset valve 100, therebyallowing for greater aesthetic design flexibility and ease of assembly.Additionally, packaging for centerset valve 100 may be of a smallersize. Further, in some embodiments, centerset valve 100 requires fewercomponents to assemble compared to typical valve assemblies.

In some embodiments, reversible valve seal 160 provides an interferencecompression force configured to assist in securing centerset valve 100within centerset yoke 600. In addition, reversible valve seal 160 mayprovide a proper height stack nest necessary for using retaining element630 to retain centerset valve 100 within centerset yoke 600 (e.g., tolimit the longitudinal or axial movement of centerset valve 100 relativeto centerset yoke 600).

According to various exemplary embodiments, the installation ofcenterset valve 100 within centerset yoke 600 and centerset handleadaptor 1200 does not require the use of a wear washer or a stem o-ring,as is required in typical valve assemblies. Exclusion of the wear washerand stem o-ring from centerset valve 100 facilitates a reduction inmanufacturing time and decreases the cost to assemble centerset valve100.

As shown in FIG. 11, the faucet assembly includes centerset valves 100,centerset yoke 600, waterway connector 610, retaining element 630,handles, shown as handles 1210, centerset handle adaptors 1200, bonnets,shown as bonnets 1220, a plate, shown as escutcheon plate 1230, and aplate, shown as yoke plate 1240. Referring to FIG. 13, a faucetassembly, shown as centerset faucet assembly 1300, includes centersetvalve 100, centerset yokes 600, waterway connector 610, retainingelement 630, centerset handle adaptor 1200, handles 1210, bonnets 1220,escutcheon plate 1230, yoke plate 1240, and a faucet, shown as faucet1310.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, a cross-sectional view of a faucet assembly,shown as widespread faucet assembly 1400, is shown according to anotherexemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, widespread faucet assembly1400 includes widespread valves 500, widespread yokes 700, widespreadhandle adaptors 710, retaining elements 750, bonnets 800, handles 810,plumbing network 1100, and a faucet, shown as faucet 1410. As shown inFIGS. 13-15, widespread faucet assembly 1400 may be mounted to asurface, shown as mounting surface 1420.

While in various embodiments, body 110, stem 120, seal 130, seal 350,moveable disc 140, stationary disc 150, reversible valve seal 160,centerset valve 100, centerset yoke 600, waterway connector 610,retaining element 630, centerset handle adaptors 1200, handles 1210,bonnets 1220, escutcheon plate 1230, yoke plate 1240, faucet 1310, havebeen described as components of centerset faucet assembly 1300, it isunderstood that all components of centerset faucet assembly 1300 cansimilarly be implemented in widespread faucet assembly 1400, such thatwidespread faucet assembly 1400 may be tailored for a targetapplication.

Similarly, while in various embodiments, widespread valve 500, body 510,stem 520, moveable disc 530, first stationary disc 540, secondstationary disc 550, widespread yoke 700, widespread handle adaptor 710,end stops 720, retaining element 750, bonnet 800, handles 810, post 820,yoke plate 900, plumbing network 1100, mounting surface 1420, have beendescribed as components of widespread faucet assembly 1400, it isunderstood that all components of widespread faucet assembly 1400 cansimilarly be implemented in centerset faucet assembly 1300, such thatcenterset faucet assembly 1300 may be tailored for a target application.

It is further understood that the description of similar componentsherein applies to all similar components. For example, it is understoodthat the description of bonnets 800 similarly applies to bonnets 1220.It is within the spirit of the invention for various components asdescribed and shown in relation to one of centerset faucet assembly 1300and widespread faucet assembly 1400 to be similarly incorporated intothe other of centerset faucet assembly 1300 and widespread faucetassembly 1400.

Retaining element 630 and retaining element 750 may be constructed invarious configurations and of various materials such that retainingelement 750 may be tailored for a target application. In one embodiment,retaining element 750 has a central slot sized to accept stem 520. Body110, stem 120, seal 130, seal 350, moveable disc 140, stationary disc150, retaining element 630, body 510, moveable disc 530, firststationary disc 540, second stationary disc 550, and retaining element750 may be constructed of various materials such as brass, aluminum,polymeric material, thermoset, polymeric based blend, polymer, nylon,rubber, synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene,ceramic, ceramic blend, ceramic-metallic blend, alumina, metallic blend,zinc, alloy, brass, aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material suchthat widespread valve 500 may be tailored for a target application.Further, body 110, stem 120, seal 130, seal 350, moveable disc 140,stationary disc 150, retaining element 630, body 510, moveable disc 530,first stationary disc 540, second stationary disc 550, and retainingelement 750 may have various surface finishes, porosities, grain sizes,intergranular phase and chemical properties, purities, wear resistance,shock resistance, flatness, surface roughness, bear ratios, have roundedor corned edges, or any other suitable properties such that centersetvalve 100 and/or widespread valve 500 may be tailored for a targetapplication.

In an exemplary embodiment, stem 120 and/or stem 520 are constructed ofa plastic material such as a polymeric material, thermoset, polymericbased blend, polymer, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, or any other suitable plasticmaterial such that centerset valve 100 and/or widespread valve 500 maybe tailored for a target application. However, in alternativeembodiments, stem 120 and/or stem 520 are constructed of brass, metallicblend, zinc alloy, aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material suchthat centerset valve 100 and/or widespread valve 500 may be tailored fora target application.

According to various embodiments, centerset valve 100 and/or widespreadvalve 500 may be utilized in various faucet assemblies such asmono-block lavatory faucets, bridge style kitchen faucets, bathfillfaucets, and other suitable types of faucets such that the faucetassembly may be tailored for a target application.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a valve cartridgeincluding a cylindrical body, a stem, and a reversible valve seal. Thestem is disposed within the body and configured to freely rotaterelative to the body a full three-hundred and sixty degrees. Thereversible valve seal is coupled to a bottom portion of the body. Thevalve is coupled to a yoke through the use of a retaining element. Theyoke includes a number of slots through which the retaining element isinserted. The yoke includes a circumferential groove disposed on theinterior of the yoke and coplanar with the slots that is configured toaccept the retaining element. The retaining element limits the upwardmovement of the valve within the yoke. The overall height of the valveis such that when a supply of water is received within the valve, thevalve is biased upward against the retaining element to retain the valvein a longitudinal direction within the yoke.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the application as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

While centerset valve 100 and widespread valve 500 have been referencedto control a supply of water, it is understood that other similar fluidscould be controlled through the use of centerset valve 100 and/orwidespread valve 500.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thevarious exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement ofthe various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe present application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid control valve for a faucet, comprising: abody; a stem rotatably coupled to the body, wherein the stem isconfigured to freely rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relative tothe body; a moveable disc coupled to the stem, wherein the moveable discis configured to rotate with the stem; a stationary disc coupled to thebody below the moveable disc; and a valve seal coupled to the body belowthe stationary disc, wherein the valve seal is reversible such that thevalve seal is configured to be coupled to the body in at least twodifferent orientations.
 2. The fluid control valve of claim 1, furthercomprising a seal disposed around the stem, wherein the seal isconfigured to engage an inner portion of the body.
 3. The fluid controlvalve of claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed around an outerportion of the body, wherein the seal is configured to engage a valvebody.
 4. The fluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the stem includes aprotrusion, and wherein the moveable disc includes a receiving channelconfigured to receive the protrusion such that rotation of the stemresults in corresponding rotation of the moveable disc.
 5. The fluidcontrol valve of claim 1, wherein the body includes one or more slots,and wherein the stationary disc includes one or more tabs configured tobe received within the respective one or more slots such that thestationary disc is fixed relative to the body.
 5. The fluid controlvalve of claim 1, wherein the stationary disc includes at least twoapertures that are diametrically opposed.
 6. The fluid control valve ofclaim 1, wherein the body does not include any external threads.
 7. Thefluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the body includes one or moreapertures disposed in a sidewall thereof for discharging a fluid.
 8. Thefluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the stem is made from apolymeric material.
 9. A fluid control valve for a faucet, comprising: abody; a stem rotatably coupled to the body, wherein the stem isconfigured to freely rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relative tothe body; a moveable disc coupled to the stem, wherein the moveable discis configured to rotate with the stem; a first stationary disc coupledto the body below the moveable disc; and a second stationary disccoupled to the body below the first stationary disc; wherein the firstand second stationary discs are fixed relative to the body; and whereinthe fluid control valve is configured to be biased in an axial directionwithin a valve body by an incoming supply of fluid through the firststationary disc and the second stationary disc.
 10. The fluid controlvalve of claim 9, wherein the moveable disc includes a recess forreceiving a supply of fluid therein, and wherein the moveable disc isconfigured to prevent the supply of fluid from flowing through themoveable disc to the body and the stem.
 11. The fluid control valve ofclaim 9, wherein the first stationary disc includes one or moreapertures disposed therein.
 12. The fluid control valve of claim 11,wherein the second stationary disc includes one or more aperturesdisposed therein, and wherein the one or more apertures of the firststationary disc are substantially aligned with the respective one ormore apertures of the second stationary disc.
 13. The fluid controlvalve of claim 9, further comprising a seal disposed around the stem,wherein the seal is configured to engage an inner portion of the body.14. The fluid control valve of claim 9, further comprising a sealdisposed around an outer portion of the body, wherein the seal isconfigured to engage a valve body.
 15. The fluid control valve of claim9, wherein the stem includes a protrusion, and wherein the moveable discincludes a receiving channel configured to receive the protrusion suchthat rotation of the stem results in corresponding rotation of themoveable disc.
 16. The fluid control valve of claim 9, wherein the bodyincludes one or more slots, and wherein each of the first and secondstationary discs includes one or more tabs configured to be receivedwithin the respective one or more slots such that the first and secondstationary discs are fixed relative to the body.
 17. The fluid controlvalve of claim 9, wherein the body does not include any externalthreads.
 18. The fluid control valve of claim 9, wherein the fluidcontrol valve is a bottom discharge valve.
 19. A fluid control valve fora faucet, comprising: a body; a stem rotatably coupled to the body,wherein the stem is configured to freely rotate three hundred and sixtydegrees relative to the body; a moveable disc coupled to the stem,wherein the moveable disc is configured to rotate with the stem; astationary disc coupled to the body below the moveable disc; and a valveseal coupled to the body below the stationary disc, wherein the valveseal is reversible such that the valve seal is configured to be coupledto the body in at least two different orientations; and wherein the stemincludes a protrusion, and wherein the moveable disc includes areceiving channel configured to receive the protrusion such thatrotation of the stem results in corresponding rotation of the moveabledisc.
 20. The fluid control valve of claim 19, wherein the body does notinclude any external threads.